Messiah A Poem, in Twenty-Eight Books. By Joseph Cottle |
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| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. | BOOK XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
 | Messiah |  |
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BOOK XVII.
Samuel. Saul. David anointed.
O'er-canopied by glory, flaming far,
Messiah (with the clouds of Heaven his car)
Gazed thro' futurity: beheld each clime,
The range of human things, the sweep of time.
A thousand winged Seraphim around,
Watch on their Lord and bow with awe profound;
Waiting, to feel permission, in their mind,
To ask of earth, and time, and human-kind.
Gabriel now spake.
Messiah (with the clouds of Heaven his car)
Gazed thro' futurity: beheld each clime,
The range of human things, the sweep of time.
A thousand winged Seraphim around,
Watch on their Lord and bow with awe profound;
Waiting, to feel permission, in their mind,
To ask of earth, and time, and human-kind.
Gabriel now spake.
“Oh! Thou, the fount of light!
“In power supreme, in wisdom infinite!
“May Creature, form'd by Thee, be given to look
“Into the Age Unborn? that sealed book,
“Save when thou openest! May we now inquire!
“(As late the chariot and the horse of fire,
“Have Moses borne to bliss) what more, below,
“In yon fall'n world, shall rise, of sin and woe?
“Oh, Say! How long must we in doubt remain,
“The shout, the Halleluia loud, restrain;
“And cease to hail, Oh! Majesty adored!
“Redeemed Man, to Thee and Heaven restored!”
“In power supreme, in wisdom infinite!
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“Into the Age Unborn? that sealed book,
“Save when thou openest! May we now inquire!
“(As late the chariot and the horse of fire,
“Have Moses borne to bliss) what more, below,
“In yon fall'n world, shall rise, of sin and woe?
“Oh, Say! How long must we in doubt remain,
“The shout, the Halleluia loud, restrain;
“And cease to hail, Oh! Majesty adored!
“Redeemed Man, to Thee and Heaven restored!”
Messiah, while the Angel veil'd his face,
Thus answer made. “For Man's apostate race,
“Mercy (within my secret thought) remains!
“But he must bear, for time, and times, his chains!
“One flash o'er dark futurity I dart!
“Not yet the hour, tho' love is in my heart,
“To baffle hell! Tumultuous scenes must rise!
“Were I to pour the future on thine eyes,
“Disclose the complex waves that onward roll,
“The maze mysterious would o'erwhelm thy soul!
“Thus much receive.—Succeeding men shall live,
“To whom, my word, my spirit, I will give,
“Till, from the Sheep Cote, I will one prepare,
“My name, my praise, to sing, my image bear!
“After my heart, of all the sons of earth,
“He most shall rise! This Servant, from his birth,
“At Bethlehem (where other scenes I view!)
“Satan, with rage relentless, will pursue;
“With machination dark, the strife maintain,
“And he will fall—but, falling, rise again!
“I will his fetters break, his spirit own!
“And he shall rise to sit on Israel's Throne.”
Thus answer made. “For Man's apostate race,
“Mercy (within my secret thought) remains!
“But he must bear, for time, and times, his chains!
“One flash o'er dark futurity I dart!
“Not yet the hour, tho' love is in my heart,
“To baffle hell! Tumultuous scenes must rise!
“Were I to pour the future on thine eyes,
“Disclose the complex waves that onward roll,
“The maze mysterious would o'erwhelm thy soul!
“Thus much receive.—Succeeding men shall live,
“To whom, my word, my spirit, I will give,
“Till, from the Sheep Cote, I will one prepare,
“My name, my praise, to sing, my image bear!
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“He most shall rise! This Servant, from his birth,
“At Bethlehem (where other scenes I view!)
“Satan, with rage relentless, will pursue;
“With machination dark, the strife maintain,
“And he will fall—but, falling, rise again!
“I will his fetters break, his spirit own!
“And he shall rise to sit on Israel's Throne.”
The Seraphs pause, impatient to behold
More of what deeds the future may unfold.
Messiah thus again.
More of what deeds the future may unfold.
Messiah thus again.
“Scenes hasten fast!
“O'er these, awhile, the mystic veil I cast.
“Prospects now opening, first, will I bestow.
“I send you, Heralds, to the world below.
“My influence hath reach'd you! Forth descend
“To seek the lost, the desolate defend;
“With happiness, opprest, of heavenly kind,
“Succour the tempted, cheer the sinking mind,
“And, with especial vigilance behold
“(The heavenly Shepherd I!) my Sheep! my Fold!
“Guard them thro' day, their every foe confound!
“In helpless hours of midnight watch around!
“Thro' perils guide them! Break each secret snare!
“When Pestilence, in darkness, walks the air,
“Let them be safe, and all be overpast,
“Who seek, in me, a refuge from the blast!
“But chiefly lead the Righteous by the hand,
“When, all alone, by Jordan's flood, they stand;
“Infuse a foretaste of the joys that wait!
“Their hopes enlarge! their terrors dissipate!
“Thro' the dark valley, all are doom'd to tread,
“My delegated arms beneath them spread,
“And when, at length, the mortal strife is o'er,
“Convoy their spirits to our heavenly shore
“Where they shall drink of bliss for evermore!
“Messiah's Providence, erelong, will shine.
“Ten thousand messages of love divine,
“Soon will be yours, now dimly understood,
“To counteract the ill, to work the good!
“I act in you, my Father acts in me,
“Good, thro' all worlds, is one wide harmony,
“The Fountain, God! the Great Infinity!
“No further ask! In me confide alone,
“Whose paths are in the deep! whose ways unknown!”
Messiah ceased. The Seraphs downward sped,
Each, in the path appointed prompt to tread!
“O'er these, awhile, the mystic veil I cast.
“Prospects now opening, first, will I bestow.
“I send you, Heralds, to the world below.
“My influence hath reach'd you! Forth descend
“To seek the lost, the desolate defend;
“With happiness, opprest, of heavenly kind,
“Succour the tempted, cheer the sinking mind,
“And, with especial vigilance behold
“(The heavenly Shepherd I!) my Sheep! my Fold!
“Guard them thro' day, their every foe confound!
“In helpless hours of midnight watch around!
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“When Pestilence, in darkness, walks the air,
“Let them be safe, and all be overpast,
“Who seek, in me, a refuge from the blast!
“But chiefly lead the Righteous by the hand,
“When, all alone, by Jordan's flood, they stand;
“Infuse a foretaste of the joys that wait!
“Their hopes enlarge! their terrors dissipate!
“Thro' the dark valley, all are doom'd to tread,
“My delegated arms beneath them spread,
“And when, at length, the mortal strife is o'er,
“Convoy their spirits to our heavenly shore
“Where they shall drink of bliss for evermore!
“Messiah's Providence, erelong, will shine.
“Ten thousand messages of love divine,
“Soon will be yours, now dimly understood,
“To counteract the ill, to work the good!
“I act in you, my Father acts in me,
“Good, thro' all worlds, is one wide harmony,
“The Fountain, God! the Great Infinity!
“No further ask! In me confide alone,
“Whose paths are in the deep! whose ways unknown!”
Messiah ceased. The Seraphs downward sped,
Each, in the path appointed prompt to tread!
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Whilst kings and mighty men before them fled,
Israel hath Jordan past, by Joshua led.
In vain the hostile warriors hurl the lance,
The heathen nations melt as they advance.
And now, whilst God his mighty arm hath shewn,
Triumphant, Israel, Canaan, calls her own.
Joshua, in honours grey, to death goes down!
Inspired by Faith, he sees the starry crown
Prepared of Heaven, with Angels beckoning round,
And spurns the earth with an immortal bound.
Israel hath Jordan past, by Joshua led.
In vain the hostile warriors hurl the lance,
The heathen nations melt as they advance.
And now, whilst God his mighty arm hath shewn,
Triumphant, Israel, Canaan, calls her own.
Joshua, in honours grey, to death goes down!
Inspired by Faith, he sees the starry crown
Prepared of Heaven, with Angels beckoning round,
And spurns the earth with an immortal bound.
Age fast revolves on age. Good men arise
Who love their Maker, who his statutes prize,
And prove that trust in God, that holy flame,
No phantom is, nor unsubstantial name.
Samuel now holds the censer, and displays
How just he rules, how even are his ways,
Who falsehood hates, each sin that doth defile,
And knows no joy but in his Maker's smile.
Who love their Maker, who his statutes prize,
And prove that trust in God, that holy flame,
No phantom is, nor unsubstantial name.
Samuel now holds the censer, and displays
How just he rules, how even are his ways,
Who falsehood hates, each sin that doth defile,
And knows no joy but in his Maker's smile.
The Sons of Israel now near Samuel crowd.
“Hear us! Oh, reverend Sire!” they shout aloud.
“Grant us a King! Like all the nations round
“Let one, by thee, from Israel's tribes, be crown'd.”
The Prophet answer'd. “Quench your towering pride!
“God is your King! Jehovah is your Guide!”
“Nay, but a King we want!” again they spake.
“Father! thy oil prepare, thy censer take!
“Look thou, this day, thro' all our tribes, and see
“Who best will rule, and we will faithful be!”
“If you reject your God, nor own his sway,
“And rather seek some mortal to obey,
“That King, with none to censure, none to chide,
“Will bend your heads, and on your necks will ride!”
“Nay! but a King we want!” again they cried.
“Hear us! Oh, reverend Sire!” they shout aloud.
“Grant us a King! Like all the nations round
“Let one, by thee, from Israel's tribes, be crown'd.”
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“God is your King! Jehovah is your Guide!”
“Nay, but a King we want!” again they spake.
“Father! thy oil prepare, thy censer take!
“Look thou, this day, thro' all our tribes, and see
“Who best will rule, and we will faithful be!”
“If you reject your God, nor own his sway,
“And rather seek some mortal to obey,
“That King, with none to censure, none to chide,
“Will bend your heads, and on your necks will ride!”
“Nay! but a King we want!” again they cried.
Samuel, to Heaven directs the prayer. “This day
“Great Lord of all! make plain my dubious way!”
Messiah near him stood. “Lift up thy head!
“Oh, Servant of the Highest!” thus he said,
“A King will I provide. The people, near,
“Send them away! Erelong and shall appear
“Who shall the throne ascend. The spirit's voice
“Shall guide thy footsteps and direct thy choice!”
“Great Lord of all! make plain my dubious way!”
Messiah near him stood. “Lift up thy head!
“Oh, Servant of the Highest!” thus he said,
“A King will I provide. The people, near,
“Send them away! Erelong and shall appear
“Who shall the throne ascend. The spirit's voice
“Shall guide thy footsteps and direct thy choice!”
Great things, alone, attract Man's lordly eye,
While all that humble is, he passes by;
But God, whose thought the raging wave can still,
The meanest things oft takes to work his will!
While all that humble is, he passes by;
But God, whose thought the raging wave can still,
The meanest things oft takes to work his will!
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“Go!” to his Son, Old Kish, impatient, cried.
“Our asses long have stray'd, perhaps have died!
“Seek them; our wealth they are, and 'till thou learn,
“Some tidings, Oh, my Son! do not return.”
Saul, at his Father's words obedient rose,
To Shalem now, and now to Ephraim goes;
Now stretches on thro' Zuph, and now, with pain,
Inquires of Benjamin, but asks in vain.
“I will return!” he said, “Lest it should be,
“My Sire the asses leave, and mourn for me.”
“Our asses long have stray'd, perhaps have died!
“Seek them; our wealth they are, and 'till thou learn,
“Some tidings, Oh, my Son! do not return.”
Saul, at his Father's words obedient rose,
To Shalem now, and now to Ephraim goes;
Now stretches on thro' Zuph, and now, with pain,
Inquires of Benjamin, but asks in vain.
“I will return!” he said, “Lest it should be,
“My Sire the asses leave, and mourn for me.”
Unwitting now near Samuel's tent he stood!
“Him will I seek,” he cried, “perchance for good.”
He views a Damsel train their pitchers bear,
And hast'ning up, began. “Oh, Maids! declare,
“Where dwells the Seer.” They answer'd, “Raise thine eyes.
“E'en Samuel now attends yon sacrifice!”
“Him will I seek,” he cried, “perchance for good.”
He views a Damsel train their pitchers bear,
And hast'ning up, began. “Oh, Maids! declare,
“Where dwells the Seer.” They answer'd, “Raise thine eyes.
“E'en Samuel now attends yon sacrifice!”
Entering the city, with a traveller's speed,
Samuel comes forth to bid the victim bleed!
Beholding Saul, he said. “I look'd for thee,
“And thou, this day, must eat thy bread with me.”
Before the Prophet, Saul now wondering stands!
When Samuel thus. “Hearthou the Lord's commands!
“Thee hath God chosen, Israel's throne to fill!
“Thee, her first King. It is Jehovah's will!”
Saul answer'd, “Wherefore power to me ascribe?
“I am of Benjamin, that meanest tribe;
“Ordain'd to sink (with every age decreas'd)
“And of the whole, my Father's house the least.
“Turn to some nobler man.” The Prophet cried,
“O'er Israel, thou shalt bear dominion wide!
“Mayst thou for ever, Son! as now, present
“The humble mind, that heavenly ornament!
“Obedient, stoop!” Saul lowly bow'd his head.
When o'er his crown the sacred oil he spread.
Samuel again. “Back to thy Father go,
“And God thy future path shall let thee know!”
Samuel comes forth to bid the victim bleed!
Beholding Saul, he said. “I look'd for thee,
“And thou, this day, must eat thy bread with me.”
Before the Prophet, Saul now wondering stands!
When Samuel thus. “Hearthou the Lord's commands!
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“Thee, her first King. It is Jehovah's will!”
Saul answer'd, “Wherefore power to me ascribe?
“I am of Benjamin, that meanest tribe;
“Ordain'd to sink (with every age decreas'd)
“And of the whole, my Father's house the least.
“Turn to some nobler man.” The Prophet cried,
“O'er Israel, thou shalt bear dominion wide!
“Mayst thou for ever, Son! as now, present
“The humble mind, that heavenly ornament!
“Obedient, stoop!” Saul lowly bow'd his head.
When o'er his crown the sacred oil he spread.
Samuel again. “Back to thy Father go,
“And God thy future path shall let thee know!”
Thro' Israel's tribes, the mournful voice is heard!
“Death!” “Death!” aloud, that spirit-searching word!
The Ammonites advance, a fearful band,
Breathing the threat, and wasting wide the land!
Jabesh, while feeling in his heart despair,
Trembling goes forth, and cries, “Oh, warriors, spare!”
“Upon these terms!” th' invading Monarch cries.
“Give me, even all, your right, your precious eyes,
“That I may thus, Oh, Men! your tribes chastise!”
“Grantmeseven days!” (said Jabesh) “Warrior, great!
“To ponder on thy words, and mourn our state!”
“Yielded!” th'imperious Nahash, fierce, replied,
“And then my vengeance shall be satisfied!”
“Death!” “Death!” aloud, that spirit-searching word!
The Ammonites advance, a fearful band,
Breathing the threat, and wasting wide the land!
Jabesh, while feeling in his heart despair,
Trembling goes forth, and cries, “Oh, warriors, spare!”
“Upon these terms!” th' invading Monarch cries.
“Give me, even all, your right, your precious eyes,
“That I may thus, Oh, Men! your tribes chastise!”
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“To ponder on thy words, and mourn our state!”
“Yielded!” th'imperious Nahash, fierce, replied,
“And then my vengeance shall be satisfied!”
Slow, from the wilderness (his flock before)
Saul passes on. Crowds, all around, deplore
Their weight of sorrow. “What,” (he them address'd)
“Prompts these your tears, when all, from warfare rest?”
“The tidings hear!” they answer'd. “Nahash, proud,
“Stands on our borders! With the trumpet, loud,
“Whilst countless chariots near him crowd, he cries,
“‘Choose you this day between your death and eyes!’”
Saul passes on. Crowds, all around, deplore
Their weight of sorrow. “What,” (he them address'd)
“Prompts these your tears, when all, from warfare rest?”
“The tidings hear!” they answer'd. “Nahash, proud,
“Stands on our borders! With the trumpet, loud,
“Whilst countless chariots near him crowd, he cries,
“‘Choose you this day between your death and eyes!’”
Instant, in Saul, a fire unwonted burns,
His spirit (roused) the threat degrading spurns!
“Fear not!” he utter'd. “With the Lord our trust,
“We will consume, and tread them down to dust!”
Thus speaking, Saul, the yoke of oxen slays!
He hews them into pieces, and displays
Upon a hundred spears, the symbol dread!
“Fly!” he exclaim'd. “The diverse path each tread!
“Call on all Israel to assemble here!
“Tell them that slavery or death is near!
“Say to each coward base, of woman born,
“So shall thy heart be hewn' thy country's scorn!”
His spirit (roused) the threat degrading spurns!
“Fear not!” he utter'd. “With the Lord our trust,
“We will consume, and tread them down to dust!”
Thus speaking, Saul, the yoke of oxen slays!
He hews them into pieces, and displays
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“Fly!” he exclaim'd. “The diverse path each tread!
“Call on all Israel to assemble here!
“Tell them that slavery or death is near!
“Say to each coward base, of woman born,
“So shall thy heart be hewn' thy country's scorn!”
Like wrecks, that to the roaring whirlpool glide,
Thousands to Saul approach on every side.
Beholding the vast host of warriors bold,
(Too proud to stoop, too valiant to be sold!)
Saul lifts his voice. “Fear not ye sons of might!
“Ammon, this day, shall perish in our sight
“What should we fear, tho' myriads round contend,
“Arm'd in our country's cause, and God our friend?”
All shouted. “Saul, our leader, lo! we own!
“Soon shall be seen our raging foes o'erthrown!”
Thus saying, Israel's armies, bold, advance
To dart the spear, and hurl the furious lance!
Thousands to Saul approach on every side.
Beholding the vast host of warriors bold,
(Too proud to stoop, too valiant to be sold!)
Saul lifts his voice. “Fear not ye sons of might!
“Ammon, this day, shall perish in our sight
“What should we fear, tho' myriads round contend,
“Arm'd in our country's cause, and God our friend?”
All shouted. “Saul, our leader, lo! we own!
“Soon shall be seen our raging foes o'erthrown!”
Thus saying, Israel's armies, bold, advance
To dart the spear, and hurl the furious lance!
Saul, stately as the pine that waves its head
On proud Libanus, 'mid the general dread,
Stands fearless. Ammon's hosts are strew'd around,
Thick as the hoar frost, on the morning ground.
The dawn yet told the rising sun at hand,
When Israel's armies wait their chief's command.
“Haste!” Saul exclaim'd. “Fight manfully, and show
“How we, arous'd by freedom, meet our foe!”
The strife begins! Saul, with a lion's rage,
Dares, young or old, (to fury wrought) engage.
On either hand, where'er his steps appear,
Vengeance her banner spreads, and death is near.
Proud Nahash flies! His Sons are seen aghast,
Speeding like leaves before th' autumnal blast.
On proud Libanus, 'mid the general dread,
Stands fearless. Ammon's hosts are strew'd around,
Thick as the hoar frost, on the morning ground.
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When Israel's armies wait their chief's command.
“Haste!” Saul exclaim'd. “Fight manfully, and show
“How we, arous'd by freedom, meet our foe!”
The strife begins! Saul, with a lion's rage,
Dares, young or old, (to fury wrought) engage.
On either hand, where'er his steps appear,
Vengeance her banner spreads, and death is near.
Proud Nahash flies! His Sons are seen aghast,
Speeding like leaves before th' autumnal blast.
The trumpet sounds! Around their Leader, now,
All Israel's valiant tribes obeisant bow.
“Thee, will we serve!” they cried. “Some men there be
“Who vow'd, to Saul, never to bend the knee.
“Bring hither these our foes! Upon this day,
“Such, 'mid the voice of scorn, shall Israel slay!”
Saul answer'd, “Hold! This hour, from God, Most High,
“We have received the glorious victory!
“Let prayer, let praise be heard! Revenge' shrill voice,
“Ill would accord, when hearts in God rejoice!”
The captains cry. “Fruit of well-earn'd renown,
“Thou shalt the sceptre wield, and wear the crown!”
Exulting, now, to Gilgal, Saul they bear,
And Samuel crowns him King o'er Israel there.
All Israel's valiant tribes obeisant bow.
“Thee, will we serve!” they cried. “Some men there be
“Who vow'd, to Saul, never to bend the knee.
“Bring hither these our foes! Upon this day,
“Such, 'mid the voice of scorn, shall Israel slay!”
Saul answer'd, “Hold! This hour, from God, Most High,
“We have received the glorious victory!
“Let prayer, let praise be heard! Revenge' shrill voice,
“Ill would accord, when hearts in God rejoice!”
The captains cry. “Fruit of well-earn'd renown,
“Thou shalt the sceptre wield, and wear the crown!”
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And Samuel crowns him King o'er Israel there.
Should favours (undeserv'd) of none be felt?
Should blessings harden which were sent to melt?
Gifts, like a stream, attend us all our days,
And not the giver wake one thought of praise?
Should men record no heart-contracted debt,
And those who most receive, the first forget?
Oh! human heart, perverted! Such a sight
Thou hast display'd, since Eden took her flight!
Saul, call'd to govern, from a low estate,
Forgets how mean he was, his change how great!
Fosters the proud presumption in his soul,
And to his own deserts ascribes the whole!
Each day displays, while all, the change regard,
The look more haughty, and the heart more hard!
Should blessings harden which were sent to melt?
Gifts, like a stream, attend us all our days,
And not the giver wake one thought of praise?
Should men record no heart-contracted debt,
And those who most receive, the first forget?
Oh! human heart, perverted! Such a sight
Thou hast display'd, since Eden took her flight!
Saul, call'd to govern, from a low estate,
Forgets how mean he was, his change how great!
Fosters the proud presumption in his soul,
And to his own deserts ascribes the whole!
Each day displays, while all, the change regard,
The look more haughty, and the heart more hard!
In ranks unnumber'd, and in war array,
Philistines, fierce, advance to meet the fray!
Roused from his bed of sloth, in wild surprise,
Saul calls on Israel's valiant hosts to rise.
Prompt to obey their Monarch, men of might,
And countless, crowd around to meet the fight.
Saul, with the frown austere, indignant cried,
“In hour, like this, where doth the Prophet hide?
“To Samuel fly! Tell him, as he would dare
“Saul's anger, hither, instant, to repair!
“We must behold the altar's blazing fire
“Smiles to obtain from our Almighty Sire!”
Philistines, fierce, advance to meet the fray!
Roused from his bed of sloth, in wild surprise,
Saul calls on Israel's valiant hosts to rise.
Prompt to obey their Monarch, men of might,
And countless, crowd around to meet the fight.
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“In hour, like this, where doth the Prophet hide?
“To Samuel fly! Tell him, as he would dare
“Saul's anger, hither, instant, to repair!
“We must behold the altar's blazing fire
“Smiles to obtain from our Almighty Sire!”
The warlike hosts on different hills are seen,
Whilst far beneath the valley spreads between.
Saul lifts his voice. “The Prophet, where is he?
“Who hangs behind, this hour, no friend can be!
“Light up the fire! The victim I will slay
“And for success from Heaven, a King shall pray!”
Whilst far beneath the valley spreads between.
Saul lifts his voice. “The Prophet, where is he?
“Who hangs behind, this hour, no friend can be!
“Light up the fire! The victim I will slay
“And for success from Heaven, a King shall pray!”
The Priest is Saul alone! The knee he bends!
The victim bleeds, whose smoke to Heaven ascends!
Samuel advances now! when, thus, he spake.
“What hast thou done, Oh, Saul?” To wrath awake,
The Monarch answer'd. “Long for thee I sought!
“Should Kings for Prophets wait? Noimpiousthought,
“I deem'd that I might bid the flame arise,
“And give, unblamed, to God, the sacrifice!”
The victim bleeds, whose smoke to Heaven ascends!
Samuel advances now! when, thus, he spake.
“What hast thou done, Oh, Saul?” To wrath awake,
The Monarch answer'd. “Long for thee I sought!
“Should Kings for Prophets wait? Noimpiousthought,
“I deem'd that I might bid the flame arise,
“And give, unblamed, to God, the sacrifice!”
“Thou hast done wrong!” the Prophet answer'd, slow,
“And this presumptuous deed—will work thee woe!
“Where was thy faith? Unhallow'd fire was thine!
“Thou didst not hear the still, small Voice Divine!
“Hath not He power, whose right it is to reign,
“To send his Servant now—and now refrain?
“Oh, Saul! Prosperity hath been thy bane!
“I have a message sent from God, on High,
“Thy heart is turn'd aside! The humble cry,
“No longer, and the prayer, devout, ascend!
“Thou hast forgotten thine Almighty Friend!
“Whilst pride and passion (ruthless tyrants) hold
“Dominion in thy breast! I now unfold
“The Future! Hear and tremble! God hath shewn
“That he will take from Saul—even Israel's Throne!
“And to Another give (whose heart is true)
“His Kingdom, who will yield him honour due!”
Thus having said, with dignity severe,
He turn'd—whilst Saul, heart-smitten, dropt his spear!
“And this presumptuous deed—will work thee woe!
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“Thou didst not hear the still, small Voice Divine!
“Hath not He power, whose right it is to reign,
“To send his Servant now—and now refrain?
“Oh, Saul! Prosperity hath been thy bane!
“I have a message sent from God, on High,
“Thy heart is turn'd aside! The humble cry,
“No longer, and the prayer, devout, ascend!
“Thou hast forgotten thine Almighty Friend!
“Whilst pride and passion (ruthless tyrants) hold
“Dominion in thy breast! I now unfold
“The Future! Hear and tremble! God hath shewn
“That he will take from Saul—even Israel's Throne!
“And to Another give (whose heart is true)
“His Kingdom, who will yield him honour due!”
Thus having said, with dignity severe,
He turn'd—whilst Saul, heart-smitten, dropt his spear!
From Gilgal Samuel now directs his feet,
When Jonathan, the brave, (as racer fleet)
Speeds after him and cries. “Oh, Sage revered!
“Loved of all Good, and but by Evil fear'd,
“Let me one favour ask, nor ask in vain!
“Oh! spare my Sire! Oh, let him live and reign!
When Jonathan, the brave, (as racer fleet)
Speeds after him and cries. “Oh, Sage revered!
“Loved of all Good, and but by Evil fear'd,
“Let me one favour ask, nor ask in vain!
“Oh! spare my Sire! Oh, let him live and reign!
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Samuel replied. “My Son, no choice is mine!
“I hear, and I obey the Voice Divine!
“Such is Heaven's Will! The Throne so late possest,
“God hath decreed, whose ways in clouds are drest,
“Must fall from Saul, and One, obscure, sustain
“Thy Father's sceptre, and o'er Israel reign!”
Low bending, Jonathan, to grief awake,
Mourn'd in his spirit, though no word he spake.
The Prophet thus again: “Men, here below,
“Seek pomp and power, with state and gaudy shew,
“And, as some glittering bauble passes by,
“Send forth the rapturous gaze, the ardent sigh,
“Craving the fancied good; more brief, more frail
“Than flower, or sound fast passing on the gale!
“Often, what Men desire, they least would seek,
“If past possessors from the Grave might speak!
“Men see the Monarch's crown, yet little know
“What gathering cares corroding round it flow!
“Be wise, and let the future fix thine eye!
“Seek the Chief Good, the joys that never die!”
Young Jonathan now makes the Better Choice:
At Samuel's words he felt his heart rejoice,
And still he paused to hear the Prophet's voice.
The Man of God pursued.
“I hear, and I obey the Voice Divine!
“Such is Heaven's Will! The Throne so late possest,
“God hath decreed, whose ways in clouds are drest,
“Must fall from Saul, and One, obscure, sustain
“Thy Father's sceptre, and o'er Israel reign!”
Low bending, Jonathan, to grief awake,
Mourn'd in his spirit, though no word he spake.
The Prophet thus again: “Men, here below,
“Seek pomp and power, with state and gaudy shew,
“And, as some glittering bauble passes by,
“Send forth the rapturous gaze, the ardent sigh,
“Craving the fancied good; more brief, more frail
“Than flower, or sound fast passing on the gale!
“Often, what Men desire, they least would seek,
“If past possessors from the Grave might speak!
“Men see the Monarch's crown, yet little know
“What gathering cares corroding round it flow!
“Be wise, and let the future fix thine eye!
“Seek the Chief Good, the joys that never die!”
Young Jonathan now makes the Better Choice:
At Samuel's words he felt his heart rejoice,
And still he paused to hear the Prophet's voice.
The Man of God pursued.
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“Thou hast above,
“In Realms of Happiness, in Worlds of Love,
“Thy best Inheritance! Soon wilt thou there
“Look down and smile upon thy mortal care!
“God is thy Friend. Fear not, yon haughty foe,
“Dealing vain threat! I see him melt like snow,
“And thou who weep'st shalt give the deadly blow!
“Thou, with thine Armour-Bearer, ere the shade
“Of morn hath vanish'd, haste, of none afraid!
“Fall on the Heathen! Thou shalt see that day,
“Their Warrior Sons, like wax, dissolve away!”
In sorrow, Jonathan, his bosom prest,
Then cried, “Oh, Sire! farewell! With heart at rest
“I leave thee. May my hopes be all divine,
“And, after death, thy heritage be mine!”
“In Realms of Happiness, in Worlds of Love,
“Thy best Inheritance! Soon wilt thou there
“Look down and smile upon thy mortal care!
“God is thy Friend. Fear not, yon haughty foe,
“Dealing vain threat! I see him melt like snow,
“And thou who weep'st shalt give the deadly blow!
“Thou, with thine Armour-Bearer, ere the shade
“Of morn hath vanish'd, haste, of none afraid!
“Fall on the Heathen! Thou shalt see that day,
“Their Warrior Sons, like wax, dissolve away!”
In sorrow, Jonathan, his bosom prest,
Then cried, “Oh, Sire! farewell! With heart at rest
“I leave thee. May my hopes be all divine,
“And, after death, thy heritage be mine!”
“Come forth!” cried Jonathan, to one beside,
His Armour-Bearer. “I will be thy guide.”
Philistines, they (in th' twilight hour,) assail.
The panic strikes the Foe! With visage pale,
Each man deals death around him! Wider still
The strife, destructive spreads: From hill to hill
It rages, where no friend his friend will spare!
No Brother, Brother screen. Wide waste is there!
The Hebrews wondering gaze! They see the fight,
Extending like a whirlwind on their sight.
And, hastening back, to God ascribe the day,
Before whose presence mountains melt away.
His Armour-Bearer. “I will be thy guide.”
Philistines, they (in th' twilight hour,) assail.
The panic strikes the Foe! With visage pale,
Each man deals death around him! Wider still
The strife, destructive spreads: From hill to hill
It rages, where no friend his friend will spare!
No Brother, Brother screen. Wide waste is there!
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Extending like a whirlwind on their sight.
And, hastening back, to God ascribe the day,
Before whose presence mountains melt away.
In silent meditation, Samuel stood,
Musing on earthly ill, and earthly good,
So fleeting, so uncertain! When there came,
On wings that flash'd th' unimagin'd flame,
A Spirit! Samuel look'd with gifted sight!
He heard a voice. “With thee, Oh, Man, is night!
“I move in day! The end distinct I see,
“And what on Earth I order, that must be!
“Once more on Saul's obedience I will call,
“Speed, and proclaim that Amalek must fall!
“Warn him to spoil his land, the waste to spread,
“And count that Son of Belial with the dead!
“Let the whole land, let man, let cattle bleed!
“That Earth, the awful judgment, long may read!
“If he obey, he still shall wear the crown!
“If he refuse, my wrath shall tread him down!”
Musing on earthly ill, and earthly good,
So fleeting, so uncertain! When there came,
On wings that flash'd th' unimagin'd flame,
A Spirit! Samuel look'd with gifted sight!
He heard a voice. “With thee, Oh, Man, is night!
“I move in day! The end distinct I see,
“And what on Earth I order, that must be!
“Once more on Saul's obedience I will call,
“Speed, and proclaim that Amalek must fall!
“Warn him to spoil his land, the waste to spread,
“And count that Son of Belial with the dead!
“Let the whole land, let man, let cattle bleed!
“That Earth, the awful judgment, long may read!
“If he obey, he still shall wear the crown!
“If he refuse, my wrath shall tread him down!”
Samuel to Saul advances. In his state,
The Monarch sat. Dancers around him wait!
The Singers chant! The Minstrels' strains ascend!
Whilst crowds repeat the loud “All Hail!” and bend!
The Prophet old, uncurs'd with fear of man,
Walks firmly to the King, and thus began:
“Oh! Saul. I bear a message from the sky!
“Agag the vile, and all his House, must die!
“Their crimes, their impious rites, in dread career,
“Have reach'd to Heav'n, and vengeance now is near!
“God hath appointed thee his sword to wield!
“Equip thine Armed Host, with spear and shield,
“Go forth to war! If thou would'st Heaven obey,
“This whole devoted race, unsparing slay!
Saul grasp'd his sword and answered. “I will haste
“To Agag—land, and man, and cattle, waste!
“Thus proving to the Lord, on whom I wait,
“How true are my deserts, my faith how great!”
The Monarch sat. Dancers around him wait!
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Whilst crowds repeat the loud “All Hail!” and bend!
The Prophet old, uncurs'd with fear of man,
Walks firmly to the King, and thus began:
“Oh! Saul. I bear a message from the sky!
“Agag the vile, and all his House, must die!
“Their crimes, their impious rites, in dread career,
“Have reach'd to Heav'n, and vengeance now is near!
“God hath appointed thee his sword to wield!
“Equip thine Armed Host, with spear and shield,
“Go forth to war! If thou would'st Heaven obey,
“This whole devoted race, unsparing slay!
Saul grasp'd his sword and answered. “I will haste
“To Agag—land, and man, and cattle, waste!
“Thus proving to the Lord, on whom I wait,
“How true are my deserts, my faith how great!”
With shout and martial pomp, to meet his foes,
Saul, at the trumpet's voice, obedient goes.
Th' Amalekites (prepared for their defence,
And trusting in their King, their confidence,
While viewing spear and chariot spread afar)
Breathe loud defiance, and await the war.
The combat waxes hot! The Heathen fall
Before the sword of Israel and of Saul!
Agag is beaten down. With weeping eyes,
“Oh! spare thy slave!” the prostrate captive cries.
Saul, at the trumpet's voice, obedient goes.
Th' Amalekites (prepared for their defence,
And trusting in their King, their confidence,
While viewing spear and chariot spread afar)
Breathe loud defiance, and await the war.
The combat waxes hot! The Heathen fall
Before the sword of Israel and of Saul!
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“Oh! spare thy slave!” the prostrate captive cries.
Young Jonathan, approaching, thus began:
“Whom hast thou spared from death? O! faithless man!
“Who to thy seat for justice ever came?
“What starving stranger ever bless'd thy name?
“What sorrowing captive ever thought of thee
“While drinking deep, the Cup of Misery?”
Saul answered. “Son! the rule is mine alone.
“Thy Father sits supreme on Israel's throne!
“Agag shall live! He round my car shall wait,
“And dogs shall dwell—with one of late so great!”
Humbly thus Jonathan replied, “Oh, Sire!
“What said the Prophet? What doth God require?
Saul answered. “Cease! or from my presence flee!
“Without command, to reign, is not for me!
“Agag shall live! and though the people die,
“(And Samuel, frowning, my reward deny)
“I from these flocks will all my wants supply.
“Whom hast thou spared from death? O! faithless man!
“Who to thy seat for justice ever came?
“What starving stranger ever bless'd thy name?
“What sorrowing captive ever thought of thee
“While drinking deep, the Cup of Misery?”
Saul answered. “Son! the rule is mine alone.
“Thy Father sits supreme on Israel's throne!
“Agag shall live! He round my car shall wait,
“And dogs shall dwell—with one of late so great!”
Humbly thus Jonathan replied, “Oh, Sire!
“What said the Prophet? What doth God require?
Saul answered. “Cease! or from my presence flee!
“Without command, to reign, is not for me!
“Agag shall live! and though the people die,
“(And Samuel, frowning, my reward deny)
“I from these flocks will all my wants supply.
Samuel draws near! (Saul, with the starting eyes,
Beholds him, whilst the flush of anger dies!)
Thus he began. “Hast thou obey'd His Will,
“Whose smiles, like Hermon, honied dews distil?”
Saul answered. “Bless'd of God, and reverenc'd still,
“I have obey'd Jehovah's sovereign Will!”
Samuel again. “Whence then do sounds arise,
“Like those which follow some great sacrifice!
“The groan, at hand, sent as from sorrow deep,
“The lowing oxen, and the bleating sheep!”
Confounded, half resentful, Saul replied,
“Why should a King the truth from mortal hide?
“I nothing spared, save Agag. For their toil,
“The people spared the choicest of their spoil,
“Oxen and Sheep. Thence do the sounds arise,
“And these shall bleed in some near sacrifice!”
Beholds him, whilst the flush of anger dies!)
Thus he began. “Hast thou obey'd His Will,
“Whose smiles, like Hermon, honied dews distil?”
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“I have obey'd Jehovah's sovereign Will!”
Samuel again. “Whence then do sounds arise,
“Like those which follow some great sacrifice!
“The groan, at hand, sent as from sorrow deep,
“The lowing oxen, and the bleating sheep!”
Confounded, half resentful, Saul replied,
“Why should a King the truth from mortal hide?
“I nothing spared, save Agag. For their toil,
“The people spared the choicest of their spoil,
“Oxen and Sheep. Thence do the sounds arise,
“And these shall bleed in some near sacrifice!”
Samuel replied. “Whilst standing with the base,
“Obscure, unknown, without a name or place,
“Did not the Lord, to fill some deep design,
“Call thee to Rule? Was not obedience thine?
“Say! did not He, whom all the stars obey,
“Bid thee, in Samuel's voice, go forth and slay,
“Unsparing, men with every crime opprest,
“Their Sons, theirKing, yea all that they possest?
“Why, on the spoils, didst thou rebellious fly?
“Why spare the Man whom God ordain'd to die?”
Saul trembling said. “Blameless thy Servant stands,
“The People, they withstood the Lord's commands!”
The Prophet answered. “Needs it to be said,
“How vain is Sacrifice, the hands outspread,
“While disobedience lingers in the heart,
“And men, for God, refuse with sin to part!”
Saul answer'd, as the glow of anger came,
“Withhold thy frown! Thy Monarch cease to blame!
“He hath obey'd, save in minute degree,
“Enough for Heaven, tho' not enough for thee!”
Samuel replied. “I have a word to say.
“Since thou wilt not Jehovah's voice obey,
“God shall upraise (to whom all knees shall bow)
“Another to thy throne, more true than thou!”
“Obscure, unknown, without a name or place,
“Did not the Lord, to fill some deep design,
“Call thee to Rule? Was not obedience thine?
“Say! did not He, whom all the stars obey,
“Bid thee, in Samuel's voice, go forth and slay,
“Unsparing, men with every crime opprest,
“Their Sons, theirKing, yea all that they possest?
“Why, on the spoils, didst thou rebellious fly?
“Why spare the Man whom God ordain'd to die?”
Saul trembling said. “Blameless thy Servant stands,
“The People, they withstood the Lord's commands!”
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“How vain is Sacrifice, the hands outspread,
“While disobedience lingers in the heart,
“And men, for God, refuse with sin to part!”
Saul answer'd, as the glow of anger came,
“Withhold thy frown! Thy Monarch cease to blame!
“He hath obey'd, save in minute degree,
“Enough for Heaven, tho' not enough for thee!”
Samuel replied. “I have a word to say.
“Since thou wilt not Jehovah's voice obey,
“God shall upraise (to whom all knees shall bow)
“Another to thy throne, more true than thou!”
Saul, who, one moment past, with fearless eye,
Would fain have hurl'd defiance at the sky,
Sinks from his eminence, and trembling cries,
“Oh! spare me! spare me! Turn once more thine eyes!
“Pardon thy suppliant! Pride hath fill'd my breast!
“But I am now in dust and sack-cloth drest!
“Is there no hope? Oh! turn and let me see
“The look, once more, benign, of clemency!”
With brow unalter'd, bending slow his head,
“I must not! dare not turn!” the Prophet said.
“Thee hath the Lord rejected! To thy throne,
“One will erelong arise, who God will own.
Would fain have hurl'd defiance at the sky,
Sinks from his eminence, and trembling cries,
“Oh! spare me! spare me! Turn once more thine eyes!
“Pardon thy suppliant! Pride hath fill'd my breast!
“But I am now in dust and sack-cloth drest!
“Is there no hope? Oh! turn and let me see
“The look, once more, benign, of clemency!”
With brow unalter'd, bending slow his head,
“I must not! dare not turn!” the Prophet said.
“Thee hath the Lord rejected! To thy throne,
“One will erelong arise, who God will own.
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Saul, with the look of ill-supprest disdain,
Thus answer'd. “If my prayer, Oh, Man! be vain,
“Tho' faithless to my God, to thee untrue,
“Give me, before the people, reverence due.”
When Samuel thus. “I will not thee revile.
“Gaze on thy bending thousands still, and smile!”
A sudden gleam, shot from the Prophet's eye,
A fearful look, supreme of majesty!
“Bring hither, first,” he cried, “the Heathen King!”
Agag advances! (like the flowers of spring)
Gorgeous, in gems, and gold, and Tyrian vest,
(Trusting to awe the Prophet, humbler drest.)
“Thy sword!” said Samuel. Saul his sword presents.
To Agag, thus he spake. “Thy crime augments:
“Which none of human name hath ere surpast.
“More fatal than the desert's scorching blast
“Hath been thy law! Thy nod hath often sent
“Whole tribes to dungeon-depths and languishment!
“Within thy heart, pity no place hath found!
“Thy sword hath spread the childless Mothers round!
“And now the judgment (long delay'd) is come!
“Tho' Saul hath spared, Samuel shall deal thy doom!”
“Oh, pardon! pardon!” Agag, shuddering cried!
“Tho' I have oft my sword in crimson dyed,
“Let me find mercy!” Samuel, at the word,
Look'd sterner, as tho' demon voice he heard,
Then Agag hew'd in twain before the Lord!
Thus answer'd. “If my prayer, Oh, Man! be vain,
“Tho' faithless to my God, to thee untrue,
“Give me, before the people, reverence due.”
When Samuel thus. “I will not thee revile.
“Gaze on thy bending thousands still, and smile!”
A sudden gleam, shot from the Prophet's eye,
A fearful look, supreme of majesty!
“Bring hither, first,” he cried, “the Heathen King!”
Agag advances! (like the flowers of spring)
Gorgeous, in gems, and gold, and Tyrian vest,
(Trusting to awe the Prophet, humbler drest.)
“Thy sword!” said Samuel. Saul his sword presents.
To Agag, thus he spake. “Thy crime augments:
“Which none of human name hath ere surpast.
“More fatal than the desert's scorching blast
“Hath been thy law! Thy nod hath often sent
“Whole tribes to dungeon-depths and languishment!
“Within thy heart, pity no place hath found!
“Thy sword hath spread the childless Mothers round!
“And now the judgment (long delay'd) is come!
“Tho' Saul hath spared, Samuel shall deal thy doom!”
“Oh, pardon! pardon!” Agag, shuddering cried!
“Tho' I have oft my sword in crimson dyed,
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Look'd sterner, as tho' demon voice he heard,
Then Agag hew'd in twain before the Lord!
Samuel retires from Saul, and oft, alone,
Sorrows for one by Satan's wiles o'erthrown!—
'Mid olive groves, and cypress forests deep,
In silence, far from man, withdraws, to weep—
That Saul, in evil hour, should turn away
From wisdom, nor Jehovah's law obey.
While pouring out his heart, in earnest prayer,
Samuel look'd up, for, lo! a Form was there—
Angelic! As he look'd, with hands outspread,
He saw Messiah! Bending low his head,
He heard the voice. “Oh, Man, restrain thy tear!
“As Saul, thy warning word disdains to hear,
“His sight the mist of age shall never dim!
“He turn'd from me, and I will turn from him!
“Go forth to Bethlehem! Thy oil prepare!
“And thou, for me, shalt choose a servant there!”
Sorrows for one by Satan's wiles o'erthrown!—
'Mid olive groves, and cypress forests deep,
In silence, far from man, withdraws, to weep—
That Saul, in evil hour, should turn away
From wisdom, nor Jehovah's law obey.
While pouring out his heart, in earnest prayer,
Samuel look'd up, for, lo! a Form was there—
Angelic! As he look'd, with hands outspread,
He saw Messiah! Bending low his head,
He heard the voice. “Oh, Man, restrain thy tear!
“As Saul, thy warning word disdains to hear,
“His sight the mist of age shall never dim!
“He turn'd from me, and I will turn from him!
“Go forth to Bethlehem! Thy oil prepare!
“And thou, for me, shalt choose a servant there!”
Samuel arose obedient, and now came,
Near to the place appointed. At his name,
So dear to Israel, father, mother, child,
Felt reverence, and in sweet remembrance smiled.
And now adown the hill, with solemn pace,
That led to Bethlehem, he turn'd his face.
A simple mantle rude the Prophet bore,
Whilst his thin locks, from time, were silver'd o'er.
With trembling step, to Jesse's humble shed,
The Spirit-guide, within, his footstep led.
The Father saw the aged Seer advance,
When, hastening, he exclaim'd. “It is a trance!
“Samuel, the Heaven-taught Prophet of the Land,
“Beneath old Jesse's roof will never stand!”
Samuel replied. “Praise God! To thee I bring
“Oil to anoint thy Son even Israel's King!”
Near to the place appointed. At his name,
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Felt reverence, and in sweet remembrance smiled.
And now adown the hill, with solemn pace,
That led to Bethlehem, he turn'd his face.
A simple mantle rude the Prophet bore,
Whilst his thin locks, from time, were silver'd o'er.
With trembling step, to Jesse's humble shed,
The Spirit-guide, within, his footstep led.
The Father saw the aged Seer advance,
When, hastening, he exclaim'd. “It is a trance!
“Samuel, the Heaven-taught Prophet of the Land,
“Beneath old Jesse's roof will never stand!”
Samuel replied. “Praise God! To thee I bring
“Oil to anoint thy Son even Israel's King!”
(The Mother stopp'd her distaff. All, around,
Silence intense, that waits each accent, bound!)
“My Son?” the Father said. The Prophet spake,
“Thy Son, will God, to rule his people, take!
“This is my message! God hath sent me here,
“One to anoint with oil, who Him will fear.
“Saul is rejected! Pride hath weigh'd him down!
“And Jesse's Son, erelong, shall wear his crown!”
Silence intense, that waits each accent, bound!)
“My Son?” the Father said. The Prophet spake,
“Thy Son, will God, to rule his people, take!
“This is my message! God hath sent me here,
“One to anoint with oil, who Him will fear.
“Saul is rejected! Pride hath weigh'd him down!
“And Jesse's Son, erelong, shall wear his crown!”
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The Father doubtful stood, then smote his breast.
The Mother look'd to Heaven, with joy opprest.
The Sons, arranged around, without reply,
Heard, and in silence said, “May that be I!”
Old Jesse bow'd and answer'd. “Be it so!
“Yet gladness moves me not, but rather woe.
“Kings know that sorrows with their reign begin!
“Whilst pomp and show the voice applauding win,
“The worm, the secret canker, preys within!”
The Mother, hastening toward the Prophet, cried,
“Why should I sorrow shew, or pleasure hide?
“Here are our Sons! Choose either of the train.
“They all would make good kings, and nobly reign.”
The Mother look'd to Heaven, with joy opprest.
The Sons, arranged around, without reply,
Heard, and in silence said, “May that be I!”
Old Jesse bow'd and answer'd. “Be it so!
“Yet gladness moves me not, but rather woe.
“Kings know that sorrows with their reign begin!
“Whilst pomp and show the voice applauding win,
“The worm, the secret canker, preys within!”
The Mother, hastening toward the Prophet, cried,
“Why should I sorrow shew, or pleasure hide?
“Here are our Sons! Choose either of the train.
“They all would make good kings, and nobly reign.”
Eliab, eldest, from his Brethren came.
The Prophet mark'd his tall majestic frame,
His aspect, form'd by nature for a throne,
And thought within, this will Jehovah own.
The oil he now prepares, when, lo! a voice
Came to his ear, “Restrain thine eager choice!
“Thou lookest to the form, with purpose blind,
“But God regards alone, the heart, the mind!”
Now, smiling, to the reverend Prophet, old,
Abinadab advances, firm and bold,
Sure of the prize. Displeased that such should be,
Samuel replied. “Retire! Thou art not he!”
Next Shammah came, with looks of earnestness,
Silently pleading, “Me, Oh, Father, bless!”
The Prophet thus. “My Son! no choice is mine.
“I must obey the secret voice divine!
“Prize thou obscurity! It is a flower
“That loves the lonely walk, the woodland bower,
“Where, veil'd from human eye, it scents the air,
“Confess'd with joy by the chance passenger;
“And tho' no flattering tongues its beauties own,
“Yet peace is near, that stranger to a throne!”
Seven Sons the anxious Mother brought, to see,
Which might be bless'd with Israel's sov'reignty.
All are rejected! “Tell me,” Samuel cried,
“Hast thou no Child, Oh, Jesse! these beside?”
The Father said, “I have one other Boy,
“A strange and giddy Lad, fond of each toy,
“The pipe, the harp, and such seducing things;
“And oft beside the brook he sits and sings
“Wrapt in wild fancies, whilst his flocks around,
“With dumb delight stand list'ning to the sound.
“Thou canst not need his presence. Let him still
“Give his rude notes, far off, to rock and rill.”
The Prophet mark'd his tall majestic frame,
His aspect, form'd by nature for a throne,
And thought within, this will Jehovah own.
The oil he now prepares, when, lo! a voice
Came to his ear, “Restrain thine eager choice!
“Thou lookest to the form, with purpose blind,
“But God regards alone, the heart, the mind!”
Now, smiling, to the reverend Prophet, old,
Abinadab advances, firm and bold,
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Samuel replied. “Retire! Thou art not he!”
Next Shammah came, with looks of earnestness,
Silently pleading, “Me, Oh, Father, bless!”
The Prophet thus. “My Son! no choice is mine.
“I must obey the secret voice divine!
“Prize thou obscurity! It is a flower
“That loves the lonely walk, the woodland bower,
“Where, veil'd from human eye, it scents the air,
“Confess'd with joy by the chance passenger;
“And tho' no flattering tongues its beauties own,
“Yet peace is near, that stranger to a throne!”
Seven Sons the anxious Mother brought, to see,
Which might be bless'd with Israel's sov'reignty.
All are rejected! “Tell me,” Samuel cried,
“Hast thou no Child, Oh, Jesse! these beside?”
The Father said, “I have one other Boy,
“A strange and giddy Lad, fond of each toy,
“The pipe, the harp, and such seducing things;
“And oft beside the brook he sits and sings
“Wrapt in wild fancies, whilst his flocks around,
“With dumb delight stand list'ning to the sound.
“Thou canst not need his presence. Let him still
“Give his rude notes, far off, to rock and rill.”
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Samuel replied. “Before I taste thy fare,
“Send to the Wilderness, and find him there.”
David now hastens near! A ruddy Youth,
Eager as Thoughtlessness, and blunt as Truth,
“Why seek me thus?” he cried. “In pity, say!
“If goat should wander, or if lamb should stray,
“What nimble foot will help, with spirit bold,
“To search the crags, and pen my evening fold?”
Turning, he saw the Prophet! With amaze,
He drops his pipe, and stands awhile to gaze!
Awed by his stately mien, more dread than pride,
His snowy locks, his look to Heaven allied!
The aged Prophet watch'd, with eye intense,
His open brow, his front of innocence,
When, lo! he heard a voice which set him free,
“Samuel, arise! Anoint him! This is he!”
“Send to the Wilderness, and find him there.”
David now hastens near! A ruddy Youth,
Eager as Thoughtlessness, and blunt as Truth,
“Why seek me thus?” he cried. “In pity, say!
“If goat should wander, or if lamb should stray,
“What nimble foot will help, with spirit bold,
“To search the crags, and pen my evening fold?”
Turning, he saw the Prophet! With amaze,
He drops his pipe, and stands awhile to gaze!
Awed by his stately mien, more dread than pride,
His snowy locks, his look to Heaven allied!
The aged Prophet watch'd, with eye intense,
His open brow, his front of innocence,
When, lo! he heard a voice which set him free,
“Samuel, arise! Anoint him! This is he!”
“My Son!” the Prophet answer'd, “Heaven's decree,
“Places the Rod of Power, the Crown on thee!
“Judah's high sceptre, thou erelong shalt sway,
“And Israel's mightier Tribes, thy word obey!
“Stoop and receive the Oil!” David bends low
Whilst o'er his head the streams anointing flow.
When thus he spake. “Shall I, a King, be crown'd!
“I, last and least of all my Brethren round!”
“Thou shalt!” the Prophet said. “Now fare thee well,
“In concord, still, with these thy Brethren dwell,
“And when, my Son! the appointed time draws near,
“Thy ways, though dubious now, shall all be clear!”
“Places the Rod of Power, the Crown on thee!
“Judah's high sceptre, thou erelong shalt sway,
“And Israel's mightier Tribes, thy word obey!
“Stoop and receive the Oil!” David bends low
Whilst o'er his head the streams anointing flow.
When thus he spake. “Shall I, a King, be crown'd!
“I, last and least of all my Brethren round!”
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“In concord, still, with these thy Brethren dwell,
“And when, my Son! the appointed time draws near,
“Thy ways, though dubious now, shall all be clear!”
Scarce had the Prophet turn'd from Jesse's tent,
When David's Brethren pour'd their discontent.
“What means,” Abinadab indignant cried,
“That the Old Prophet, whom our hearts deride,
“Vain Dreamer! David, should select alone,
“And pass o'er me, so suited to a Throne!”
“And me,” Eliab said, “More wise than thou!
“To whom, my Brethren, all alike, should bow!
“This David, whom I only shunned of late,
“Now is my lothing-point! my scorn! my hate!
“But are the Prophet's words, which we despise,
“Coupled with truth, or vain deceitful lies?”
“Lies!” cried Abinadab. “Sooner shall I,
“Than David reign, prop with my staff, the sky!”
When David's Brethren pour'd their discontent.
“What means,” Abinadab indignant cried,
“That the Old Prophet, whom our hearts deride,
“Vain Dreamer! David, should select alone,
“And pass o'er me, so suited to a Throne!”
“And me,” Eliab said, “More wise than thou!
“To whom, my Brethren, all alike, should bow!
“This David, whom I only shunned of late,
“Now is my lothing-point! my scorn! my hate!
“But are the Prophet's words, which we despise,
“Coupled with truth, or vain deceitful lies?”
“Lies!” cried Abinadab. “Sooner shall I,
“Than David reign, prop with my staff, the sky!”
David, far off, and humbler than before,
Contented lives the Shepherd's life, once more;
And (by some thorn, or dashing stream reclined)
Strives to forget his Brethren's voice unkind.
There, far from every eye, in thoughtful mood,
What might be, he in misty maze pursued:
Saw many a gleam illume his distant sky,
And sometimes fear'd the storm, no shelter nigh.
Silent he gazed: and oft the Evening Star,
Musing, beheld him, high in Fancy's car,
The hour forgotten, and his flocks afar!
(While his rough shaggy Sheep-Dog near him lay,
His rest begun, still with the parting day)
When, waked from witching trance, with eager look,
His sleeping guard he rouses! grasps his crook!
Collects his scatter'd charge, in twilight penn'd,
Whilst thick and chill the mountain dews descend!
Contented lives the Shepherd's life, once more;
And (by some thorn, or dashing stream reclined)
Strives to forget his Brethren's voice unkind.
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What might be, he in misty maze pursued:
Saw many a gleam illume his distant sky,
And sometimes fear'd the storm, no shelter nigh.
Silent he gazed: and oft the Evening Star,
Musing, beheld him, high in Fancy's car,
The hour forgotten, and his flocks afar!
(While his rough shaggy Sheep-Dog near him lay,
His rest begun, still with the parting day)
When, waked from witching trance, with eager look,
His sleeping guard he rouses! grasps his crook!
Collects his scatter'd charge, in twilight penn'd,
Whilst thick and chill the mountain dews descend!
Though tired, his mind with Fancy's beaten round,
Yet the same thoughts a ready entrance found:
Each Image, long rejected, welcome still,
Forc'd the weak'd fence, and triumph'd o'er his will.
To cure the restless cares that on him press,
He turns to seek some present happiness;
And sweet it was, as Morn, with sober grey,
Slowly led on the kindling cloud of day,
Beneath some towering tree, his stand to take,
And from his Harp, the Holy Song awake,
Sounding His praise, unseen, though ever nigh,
Who sits upon the Circle of the Sky!
His wayward mind thus striving to restrain
With what, till then his wildest thoughts could chain,
As the tumultuous Tune approach'd its end,
He oft forgot the final Note to send!
For Dreams would rise, of that approaching day,
When Israel's Sceptre, Jesse's son should sway,
Till he exclaim'd (his Flocks around him spread)
Revolving deep on what the Prophet said,
“How can it be! A Miracle unknown,
“That I, a Shepherd Youth, should mount a Throne!”
Yet the same thoughts a ready entrance found:
Each Image, long rejected, welcome still,
Forc'd the weak'd fence, and triumph'd o'er his will.
To cure the restless cares that on him press,
He turns to seek some present happiness;
And sweet it was, as Morn, with sober grey,
Slowly led on the kindling cloud of day,
Beneath some towering tree, his stand to take,
And from his Harp, the Holy Song awake,
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Who sits upon the Circle of the Sky!
His wayward mind thus striving to restrain
With what, till then his wildest thoughts could chain,
As the tumultuous Tune approach'd its end,
He oft forgot the final Note to send!
For Dreams would rise, of that approaching day,
When Israel's Sceptre, Jesse's son should sway,
Till he exclaim'd (his Flocks around him spread)
Revolving deep on what the Prophet said,
“How can it be! A Miracle unknown,
“That I, a Shepherd Youth, should mount a Throne!”
| Messiah | |